FAQs

FAQs

A bright future is full of possibility, with no fear of poverty.

WHY WAS ILLUMINATE INDIA FOUNDED?

Illuminate India was founded to brighten the futures of impoverished children in India. After witnessing the tremendous need first hand, founders Brie Mahar and Kristi Werre wanted to be part of the solution. Read more about the need on our Why India page.

WHAT IS ILLUMINATE INDIA’S MISSION?

Illuminate India exists to advocate for and help impoverished children in India. By efficiently providing basic needs, therapeutic, and supportive resources, Illuminate India will help to improve existing circumstances for orphans, vulnerable children, and children with special needs.

WHO STARTED ILLUMINATE INDIA?

Illuminate India was started by founders Brie Mahar and Kristi Werre. Read more about them and the Illuminate India team on our About Us page.

HOW DOES ILLUMINATE INDIA OPERATE?

Illuminate India was operated completely by volunteers for the first 5 years of existence. In 2016, we received a grant from a generous donor designated for us to hire an Executive Director. We utilize volunteer services for development, design and strategy to work towards our mission, while keeping overhead low. Grants designated specifically to our administrative costs allows for 100% of the funds raised from individuals, events and online donations to directly benefit the children.

IS ILLUMINATE INDIA TAX EXEMPT?

Yes. Illuminate India is a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN #45-3301302. Contributions unless designated for specific purposes are used where they are most needed and are administered under the supervision of the Board of Directors.

HOW CAN I MAKE A DONATION?

CAN I DESIGNATE A PROJECT TO WHICH MY DONATION WILL BENEFIT?

Yes, absolutely. For an online donation please specify which project you would like to support during the checkout process. For a mail in donation please specify on the check in the comments section (preferred) or on a separate piece of paper. For funds donated through an event, the event may be designated towards a specific project, or you may request which project your donation is applied. You are always welcome to email specifics to kristi@illuminateindia.org.

WHAT IF THE PROGRAM I WISH TO DONATE TO IS ALREADY FULLY FUNDED?

In the event that a project is fully funded, contributions can be used to expand the project. You may also choose to allow your contribution to fund another project that is similar in nature or allow Illuminate India to apply your donation to the project with the greatest need.

WHO BENEFITS FROM MY DONATION?

100% of your donation impacts and brightens the futures of impoverished children in India. All funds raised from individuals, events and online donations directly benefits the children. We are a volunteer based organization. We have one employed staff and our administration costs are designated and donated by grants and select donors.

WHAT ARE ILLUMINATE INDIA’S CURRENT PROJECTS AND WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?

HOW CAN I HELP ILLUMINATE INDIA?

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR ORGANIZING A FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR ILLUMINATE INDIA?

Decide what you would like to do. Visit our Get Involved page for ideas or create one of your own.

Let us know your plans. Use the contact form at the bottom of the Get Involved page or e-mail us at kristi@illuminateindia.org. We will then be in touch to help you with the details, answer any questions and review our volunteer agreement / liability release form.

Tell people about what you are doing.

Have a fun event and take pictures! 100% of the $ raised will be applied to the projects of your choice.

We would also like to highlight your efforts by featuring your event on Illuminate India’s blog (optional).

WHAT RESOURCES DOES ILLUMINATE INDIA PROVIDE FOR EVENT ORGANIZERS/VOLUNTEERS?

We have a wonderful Fundraising Coordinator, Nichole Flores, who can walk through the process with you. She can help you get started in planning your event, and will provide you with all of the necessary forms and information you will need. Contact us via e-mail to get connected with Nichole. Our e-mail address is: kristi@illuminateindia.org

CAN I REQUEST AN ILLUMINATE INDIA FOUNDER OR FOUNDING MEMBER TO SPEAK AT AN EVENT?

Yes! E-mail us at kristi@illuminateindia.org or use the contact form at the bottom of the Get Involved page.

HOW DO I CREATE MY OWN FUNDRAISING PAGE?

Fundraising pages are easy to set up and are a great way to include your family and friends support in your efforts. Your page can be set up with a specified goal for a birthday wish, in honor of someone or for participation in an athletic event. Possibilities are endless!

Click here, then enter the name of your fundraiser and click the “start fundraising” button.

Complete your page by following the easy prompts.

Click the “Share” link on your page to use promotional tools, which include integration with your email, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

There is also an option of a “Donate Now” button or a Donate widget that you can place onto your blog or website to enable friends and family to give to YOUR fundraiser directly from your own website. All of the credit card processing, receipting, and disbursement is handled for you!

HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ON ILLUMINATE INDIA’S ACTIVITIES?

The best way to stay updated is through email. Email us at: kristi@illuminateindia.org to let us know you'd like to be on our email list. We do once a month updates, and a few times a year we will also let you know about project needs or campaigns such as Giving Tuesday. You can also subscribe to our blog to stay informed of project updates, events and other happenings. Like us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.